Project Management Assistant FSN-08 (Multiple Vacancies)

About USAID/Afghanistan

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72030621R10015

ISSUANCE DATE: July 24, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 07, 2021 (4:30 PM Kabul Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) Project Management Assistant FSN-08 (Multiple Vacancies) 

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers. 

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment 1.

Sincerely,

Contracting Officer

Job Summary

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

I.      GENERAL INFORMATION

1.     SOLICITATION NO.: 72030621R10015

2.     ISSUANCE DATE: July 24, 2021

3.     CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 07, 2021 no later than 4:30 PM Kabul time

4.     POINT OF CONTACT: E-mail at kblaidfsnjobs@usaid.gov

5.     POSITION TITLE: Project Management Assistant

6.     MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-08 (Step 1 – 13)

In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of U.S. Embassy Afghanistan. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7.     PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, estimated to start one (1) month following receipt of Security Clearance. Employment contract issued under this solicitation is of a continuing nature. Its duration is expected to be part of a series of sequential contracts.

8.     PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9.     ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Cooperating Country National (CCN), meaning an individual who is a cooperating country (Afghanistan) citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Foreign Service National (FSN) Security Certification.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1.     General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The incumbent is assigned to the USAID/Afghanistan Office of Health and Nutrition (OHN), and supports the existing portfolio in Reproductive Health, Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Diseases and Health System Strengthening. The incumbent reports to the Office Director of OHN or the designee, the incumbent assists and supports to various Contracting Officers’ Representative (CORs) that oversee the Office’s portfolio of more than 15 implementing mechanisms and is also assigned to support CORs and Agreement Officer's Representatives (AORs) of other projects. The incumbent is expected to liaise with, support, and brief OHN management and staff concerning the project/activity management, financial management, and internal and external communications of projects. The incumbent works closely with the OHN’s program staff members for budget, monitoring and evaluation, and project management matters. The incumbent also liaises with the relevant technical staff of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) on contracting and financial management issues concerning projects and activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

2.     Statement of Duties to be Performed

Under the supervision of the OHN Director or the designee, the incumbent is responsible for a variety of project management duties in support of project implementation, which includes performance management and reporting, financial and contract management, and other relevant duties. The incumbent is involved in the upcoming strategy, project design and, when necessary, in program/policy coordination with other United States Government (USG) agencies and donors involved in health and nutrition related programming.

The incumbent must have project management and analytical skills, as well as good judgment, and an ability to work with minimal supervision. The incumbent must ensure that project activities are designed, managed, and implemented to achieve the Agency’s goals and objectives for Afghanistan, within USG and USAID mandate(s) and financial resource constraints.

A.   Performance Management and Reporting

For the relevant projects to which the incumbent is assigned, the incumbent assists the concerned CORs/AORs in all project management actions. The incumbent provides inputs/participate in the review and approval of the concerned implementing partners’ work plans, monitoring and evaluation plans, branding and marking plans, gender analyses, environmental mitigation and monitoring plans, and other required core project documents.

The incumbent helps in the tracking and reporting of project progress on a continuing basis, especially the key performance indicators that measure the achievement of the main outputs and outcomes. The incumbent contributes to the review and approval of draft progress reports (i.e., inception, quarterly, annual, and final), as well as the performance of all applicable tiers in compliance with the Mission’s multi-tier monitoring system. The incumbent provides necessary inputs to and participate in performance reviews (Mission-wide and project specific). The incumbent alerts the concerned CORs/AORs of challenges being faced by the projects assigned to and assists to ensure that all identified issues are discussed (with agreed actions documented) and eventually resolved.

As a member of the OHN, the incumbent contributes to strategy development, monitoring and evaluation, and gender mainstreaming initiatives and activities. Joins coordination events with the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) and other activities as warranted.

B.    Financial and Contract Management

The incumbent helps the CORs/AORs in necessary actions to effectively manage the financial and contracting aspects of project implementation, including Global Acquisition & Assistance System (GLAAS) requisitions, sub-obligation of funds, partner vetting requests, and project close-out, as well as any possible Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs).

Under the direction of the designated COR, the incumbent assists in the provision of technical guidance to the concerned implementing partners on USAID budgetary/financial and accounting requirements, which include the aspects of financial accounting and reporting as well as fiscal year budget proposal review. The incumbent helps monitor project budget planning and implementation in accordance with USG requirements, and works closely with the Project Management Assistant (PMA) for Budget of OHN to routinely update project budgeting. The incumbent also helps to provide the same OHN staff any project-related inputs in the Quarterly Financial Review (QFR) exercise and will assist the relevant CORs/AORs in preparing accruals to keep the pipeline within forward funding guidelines.

C.   Office Management and Other Duties as Required

The incumbent supports the CORs/AORs of projects assigned to him/her and carries out duties as required. The incumbent assists in the development of Mission reports and data gathering, contributes to various taskers with aspects related to health programming (includes different data calls from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and coordinates meetings and visits with counterparts and other donors.

The incumbent also drafts routine documentation and ensure their clearance and approval on a timely manner. The incumbent participates in team meetings and other team activities as determined appropriate and will perform other duties as required. This includes logistic planning for OHN events and meetings. When the administrative assistant is on leave, the incumbent provides coverage for office management functions, including travel requests, WebTA approval, and Embassy access requests.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

3.     Supervisory Relationship

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the OHN Director or the designee. Assignments may also be made by others as relevant, including the OHN Deputy Office Director, and other CORs/AORs of projects to which may be assigned. In carrying out duties, the incumbent acts in close coordination and with clearance and final approval of the OHN Office Director and meets with the same to discuss office/team policies, priorities, and related project activities and concerns.

4.     Supervisory Controls

None.

12.     PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Job Requirements

I.      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a)     Education: A completion of at least two (2) years, post-secondary Diploma/Associates Degree study at college or university in fields of public health, medicine, international affairs, economics, sociology, economics, business administration, management studies, or development studies is required. (Education requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

b)     Work Experience: At least three (3) years of relevant, progressively responsible work experience in the fields of program/project administration, planning and implementation support particularly within the context of health-related development assistance program/project with international development organizations, bilateral or multilateral donor organizations, or governmental/non-governmental organizations. (Work experience requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

c)     Language: Level IV (Fluent) speaking/writing of English and Level IV (Fluent) speaking/writing of Dari or Pashto is required. (English language ability will be tested).

d)     Knowledge: The incumbent must have the knowledge and understanding of the Afghan government, particularly the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), is necessary. This must be complemented by knowledge of the country’s economic and cultural characteristics, problems, resources, and development prospects/priorities for the social sector in Afghanistan. The incumbent keeps current with the state of development issues, concerns, and practices in Afghanistan, in order to keep office staff up to date on issues related USAID/Afghanistan activities. The incumbent must also have the potential to acquire understanding of (1) programming project design and implementation policies, procedures, and documentation related to development assistance, as well as (2) objectives, approaches, and status of the project(s) to which is assigned. 

e)     Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have strong analytical skills, including the ability to identify, locate, analyze, and evaluate relevant quantitative and qualitative data and to carry out technical analyses. The ability to organize and present project information effectively and objectively in written and oral form. Under limited supervision, the incumbent must be able to assist in planning, managing and evaluating the project(s) to which is assigned. The incumbent must have strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written) skills. The incumbent must have the ability to establish rapport and maintain contacts with colleagues in technical and support offices within USAID, as well as implementing partner management and staff. The incumbent must have excellent MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). The incumbent must be able to work in a team environment and under pressure. 

II.    EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, applications will be reviewed for basic eligibility (quality check, submitted all required documents, meeting the set requirements, education and experience). Successful Applications will be forwarded to the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for review. The TEC will review and score the application based on the evaluation factors as described below. Successful candidates at this stage will be invited for an English Proficiency Test and Skills Test. Candidates with the best scores based on their application and skills test will be invited for interview

Application: 25 Points: Extent to which the applicant has the education or training required to satisfy position elements, and quality of experience or skills necessary to successfully perform the work. The application review will be weighted as follows: Experience (10 points), Job Knowledge and Skills (20 points). (See II. b, d, e.) Candidates with superior scores from the application review will be invited to complete an English test and skills test. Those that are determined successful in the English Test and Skills test will participate in an interview.

English Proficiency Test (EPT) Pass/Fail (Level IV)

Skills Test: 50 Points: Candidates will have one hour to attend a written assessment. Questions may focus on candidates' knowledge of the following areas: a) maternal and newborn health, b) child survival, c) nutrition, d) water, sanitation, and hygiene, e) immunizations, d) epidemic preparedness and response, f) Tuberculosis, g) family planning and reproductive health, h) social and behavioral change, i) health system strengthening, or j) anti-corruption and transparency. There will also be questions that will gauge their expertise in the areas of program design and management, monitoring and evaluation, budget management, communication, and coordination.

Interview: 20 Points: Interview questions will revolve around the candidate’s propensity to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of Afghanistan laws and policies related to public health programming in Afghanistan.
• Demonstrate an understanding and expertise in designing, managing, and evaluating complex, multi-million-dollar USAID initiatives in public health.
• Demonstrate experience in supporting teams with complex projects and programs.
• Demonstrate an ability to produce and present to OHN and the mission leadership memos and technical briefs on issues concerning public health in Afghanistan
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Demonstrate an ability to represent USAID to inter-agency, Afghan government and donor community

Total Possible Score: 100 Points

References of the finalists will be checked prior to offering the position. Applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities. USAID/Afghanistan reserves the right to seek references from anyone who may be able to provide information about a candidate; reference checks are not limited to the names provided. A preponderance of negative references will likely disqualify a candidate from consideration.

USAID/Afghanistan reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

Submission Guideline

I.      SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Applicants are required to complete and submit a complete application package which must include all required documents (provided below) to AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov with a Subject line Project Management Assistant FSN-08 (SOL#: 72030621R10015). Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

a) Complete the mandatory Google form application available on the following link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VWVC8O0ReuTpGRIJcolDQX5Vb315RWCS2nMylJvw8G8/edit?usp=sharing

b) Cover memo/email text that outlines how your qualifications and experience meet the selection criteria.

c) Updated version of Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff (DS-174, dated 6/30/2022) https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds174.PDF  (A copy of the DS-174 form can also be downloaded from ACBAR.org under this link http://www.acbar.org/applicationform . Applicants who are accessing this solicitation through jobs.af can download directly from the website); and

d) A current resume or curriculum vitae.

IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL FOUR ABOVE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. IF YOU OMIT ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, COVER PAGE, CV OR UPDATED DS-174 FORM, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please refer to below link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rkZ_Xgdql4Mq9vroj16fJibBYElRhN0b9PGdldAc-G0/edit?usp=sharing

Note:

Æ     Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Æ     This vacancy is open only to Afghan Nationals.

Æ     Applications with old DS-174 form will not be considered.

Æ     Applications with insufficient, incomplete and inconsistent information to make a determination will not be considered.

Æ     No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained.

Æ     Applications submitted as .RAR and/or WinZip file will not be considered.

Æ     Candidates who are applying for this position must fully meet the education requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified. At the time of application, candidates must also meet in full the experience requirement. There is no exception to these requirements.

Æ     Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide educational documents such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in disqualification of their application from further consideration.

Æ     The Agency retains the full right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions.

Æ     To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

II.   LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The Contracting Officer (CO) will provide instructions on how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1.     Pre-employment Medical History and Examination Form;

2.     U.S. Embassy Kabul Security Certification Request Package;

3.     Appointment Affidavits Standard Form 61.

III.  BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1.     BENEFITS:

-         Defined Contribution Plan (DCF) 12% of the base salary

-         Premium Pay

-         Leave Benefits (Annual, Sick, Maternity, Nursing, Hajj (Pilgrimage) and Special)

-         Medical Benefits

-         Death and Disability Benefits

-         Retirement and other end of service benefits

-         Travel and Temporary Duty (TDY) Benefits

2.     ALLOWANCES (as applicable):

-         35% Unique Conditions of Work Allowance (UCWA)

-         Transportation Allowance

IV. TAXES

Local Employee Staff (CCN) is responsible for paying local income taxes. The U.S Mission does not withhold year end local income tax payments.

V.   USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1.     USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2.     Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

3.     Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

o  https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-20-08 Leave and Holidays for CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, including country leave for qualifying posts for eligible TCNPSCs

o  https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts

4.     Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Functional Area

Health/Medical

Countries

Submission Email

AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov

Attachments

DS-174.PDF

Solicitation - 72030621R10015 - Project Management Assistant FSN-08.pdf

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